Shoes

ABSTRACT

A sole of a shoe has a plurality of lower protrusions and a plurality of upper protrusions arranged at least at a portion of the sole corresponding to a forefoot of a wearer of the shoe. A support includes a planta rest that is arranged in an internal space surrounded by a shoe upper and bridges between a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe to a position of the shoe upper corresponding to a lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot width direction. The planta rest is configured to receive a portion of the planta of the foot of the wearer of the shoe near a base of metatarsal bone and lift the base of metatarsal bone above the sole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No.2020-044967 filed on Mar. 16, 2020, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to shoes.

Shoes that allow a wearer to recognize the strengths of pressurestransmitted to different portions of the planta have been proposed, forexample, by Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491 discloses a shoeincluding: a sole that entirely supports the planta of a wearer's foot;a plurality of lower protrusions protruding downward from the bottom ofthe sole toward a road surface and arranged at intervals; and aplurality of upper protrusions protruding upward from the top of thesole toward the planta of the wearer's foot, each of the upperprotrusions on the top of the sole being positioned to overlap with anassociated one of the lower protrusions. The plurality of lowerprotrusions and the plurality of upper protrusions are arranged over theentire region of the sole in a bottom view and a plan view.

SUMMARY

In the shoe of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2019-63491, areaction force received from the road surface is transmitted to thelower protrusions, and the reaction force is directly transmitted fromthe lower protrusions to the planta of the wearer's foot via the upperprotrusions. Thus, the wearer can recognize the strengths of pressurestransmitted to different portions of the entire planta of the foot.

When the wearer makes a movement, e.g., starts moving or makes a quickturn, a load tends to be applied to a portion of the sole of the shoecorresponding to a forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, when such amovement is made, it is important to concentrate the pressuretransmitted from the lower and upper protrusions on the forefoot of thewearer's foot.

However, since the shoe of Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No.2019-63491 includes the plurality of lower protrusions and the pluralityof upper protrusions arranged over the entire region of the sole, thepressure transmitted from the lower and upper protrusions is dispersedover the entire planta of the wearer's foot. That is, it is not easy toconcentrate the pressure on the forefoot of the wearer's foot with thisshoe.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the foregoingbackground, and an object of the present disclosure is to allow a wearerto feel a relatively increased sensation of pressure on the forefoot ofthe wearer's foot.

To achieve the above object, a first aspect of the disclosure relates toa shoe. The shoe includes: a sole; a shoe upper that is provided on thesole and covers a foot of a wearer of the shoe; and at least one supportprovided for the shoe upper. The sole includes: a plurality of lowerprotrusions arranged at least on a portion of the sole corresponding toa forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the lowerprotrusions protruding downward from the sole; and a plurality of upperprotrusions arranged at least on the portion of the sole correspondingto the forefoot of the foot of the wearer of the shoe, each of the upperprotrusions protruding upward from the sole and vertically overlappingwith an associated one of the lower protrusions to form a pair whenviewed in section. The support includes a planta rest that is arrangedin an internal space surrounded by the shoe upper and brides between aposition of the shoe upper corresponding to a medial side of the foot ofthe wearer of the shoe and a position of the shoe upper corresponding toa lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in a foot widthdirection. The planta rest is configured to receive a portion of aplanta of the foot of the wearer of the shoe near a base of metatarsalbone of the wearer of the shoe, and lift the base of metatarsal boneabove the sole.

In the first aspect of the disclosure, each of the lower protrusionsvertically overlaps with an associated one of the upper protrusions toform a pair when viewed in section. In this configuration, a reactionforce received from the road surface is transmitted to the plurality oflower protrusions, and the reaction force is directly transmitted fromthe lower protrusions to the planta of the wearer's foot via the upperprotrusions. As a result, the wearer can recognize the strengths ofpressures transferred to different portions of the planta of the foot.The planta rest of the support is configured to lift the base ofmetatarsal bone of the wearer's foot above the sole. This configurationcauses an upward force to act on the base of metatarsal bone of thewearer's foot, and the base of metatarsal bone floats above the sole. Asa result, pressure is less likely to be transmitted to the base ofmetatarsal bone of the wearer's foot. On the other hand, a reactionforce against the force that has acted on the planta rest is applied tothe forefoot of the wearer's foot. That is, a downward force (in thedirection of gravity) is applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot asthe reaction force. Thus, the weight of the wearer is easily put on theforefoot of the wearer's foot. As a result, the pressure easilyconcentrates on the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Inparticular, the planta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot easilyreceives the pressure from the lower protrusions and the upperprotrusions. For this reason, when the wearer makes a movement, e.g.,starts moving or makes a quick turn, the pressure transmitted from thelower protrusions and the upper protrusions to the forefoot of thewearer's foot can be made greater than the pressure transmitted to theother portions than the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, in thefirst aspect of the disclosure, the wearer can feel a relativelyincreased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer'sfoot.

A second aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the second aspect, the planta rest is configured to be entirely keptaway upward from the sole when the shoe is not worn.

In the second aspect of the disclosure, the pressure is not easilytransmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot, whilethe pressure is easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot of thewearer's foot. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensation ofpressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A third aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the third aspect, the planta rest is made of an elasticallydeformable material.

In the third aspect of the disclosure, the planta rest can beelastically deformed so that the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer'sfoot floats above the sole. This configuration makes it difficult forthe pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of thewearer's foot, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on theplanta of the forefoot of the wearer's foot. Thus, the wearer can feelan increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of thewearer's foot.

A fourth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the fourth aspect, the planta rest is made of a material having athickness of 3.0 mm or less.

In the fourth aspect of the disclosure, discomfort in the wearer's footdue to the planta rest is reduced. This can make the wearer unaware ofthe presence of the planta rest. As a result, this configuration doesnot block the wearer from feeling the sensation of pressure transmittedfrom the lower and upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer'sfoot.

A fifth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the fifth aspect, the planta rest is arranged at a portion of thesole corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone of the foot of thewearer of the shoe.

In the fifth aspect of the disclosure, an upward force generated by theplanta rest can directly act on the base of metatarsal bone of thewearer's foot. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure tobe transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's foot,while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of theforefoot of the wearer's foot. Therefore, the wearer can feel anincreased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot of the wearer'sfoot.

A sixth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the sixth aspect, the support includes a plurality of supports. Theplurality of supports are arranged such that the planta rests of theplurality of supports sandwich a portion of the sole corresponding tothe base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in afoot length direction.

In the sixth aspect of the disclosure, the planta rests of the pluralityof supports can lift the base of metatarsal bone of the wearer's footabove the sole. Thus, an upward force acts on the base of metatarsalbone of the wearer's foot. This configuration causes the base ofmetatarsal bone of the wearer's foot to float above the sole. As aresult, the wearer can feel a relatively increased sensation of pressureapplied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

A seventh aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the seventh aspect, the shoe further includes an adjuster providedfor the shoe upper. The support further includes a pair of connectionsprovided at both ends of the planta rest. At least one of the pair ofconnections is configured to be connected to the adjuster.

In the seventh aspect of the disclosure, when the adjuster isappropriately adjusted and fastened, the planta rest can be easilystabilized at a predetermined position in the internal space surroundedby the shoe upper. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit thepressure from the lower protrusions and the upper protrusions to theforefoot of the wearer's foot.

An eighth aspect of the disclosure is an embodiment of the first aspect.In the eighth aspect, the support further includes a pair of connectionsprovided at both ends of the planta rest. The pair of connections areconfigured to intersect with, or be fixed to, the positions of the shoeupper corresponding to the medial side and the lateral side of the footof the wearer of the shoe. A position of intersection or fixationbetween the pair of connections and the shoe upper is away upward from alowermost portion of an upper surface of the sole by 10 mm or more.

In the eighth aspect of the disclosure, a portion of the planta of thefoot corresponding to the position of the base of metatarsal bone of thewearer's foot can be lifted above the sole by the planta rest regardlessof the height of the arch portion of the wearer's foot. This makes itpossible to appropriately transmit the pressure from the lowerprotrusions and the upper protrusions to the forefoot of the wearer'sfoot.

As can be seen from the foregoing description, the present disclosureallows the wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation of pressureapplied to the forefoot of the wearer's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a shoe according to a firstembodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating the shoe of the first embodimenttogether with a skeletal structure of a wearer's foot as viewed from thelateral side.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a sole and a planta rest togetherwith the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the sole and a support together withthe skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from the medialside.

FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the sole and the support togetherwith the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed from thelateral side.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a plan view illustrating a shoe according to a secondembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the shoe of the second embodimenttogether with the skeletal structure of the wearer's foot as viewed fromthe lateral side.

FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating a sole and a planta rest according tothe second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of thewearer's foot as viewed from above.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating the sole and a support according tothe second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of thewearer's foot as viewed from the medial side.

FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the sole and the support accordingto the second embodiment together with the skeletal structure of thewearer's foot as viewed from the lateral side.

FIG. 12 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating across-sectional structure of a shoe according to a first variation.

FIG. 13 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating across-sectional structure of a shoe according to a second variation.

FIG. 14 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating across-sectional structure of a shoe according to a third variation.

FIG. 15 is a view corresponding to FIG. 6, illustrating across-sectional structure of a shoe according to a fourth variation.

FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating a shoe according to a fifthvariation as viewed from the lateral side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail withreference to the drawings. The following description of the embodimentsis merely exemplary in nature, and is not intended to limit the scope,applications, or use of the present disclosure.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an entire shoe 1 according to a first embodiment ofthe present disclosure. A pair of shoes 1 may be used, for example, asathletic shoes for running and various sports, sneakers for daily use,or rehabilitation shoes.

The drawings illustrate a left shoe 1 only as an example. Since theright shoe is symmetrical to the left shoe, only the left shoe will bedescribed in the following description, and the description of the rightshoe will be omitted herein.

In the following description, the expressions “above,” “upward,” “ona/the top of,” “below,” and “downward,” represent the verticalpositional relationship between respective components of the shoe 1. Theexpressions “front,” “fore,” “forward,” “rear,” and “hind” represent thepositional relationship in a foot length direction (front-reardirection) between respective components of the shoe 1. The expressions“medial side” and “lateral side” represent the positional relationshipin a foot width direction between respective components of the shoe 1.The term “arch portion of the foot” indicates both of arch portions onthe medial and lateral sides of a wearer's foot f Further, the term“midfoot M” refers to a portion of the wearer's foot f ranging from abase of metatarsal bone MTa (proximal head of the metatarsal bone) torear ends of navicular bone NB and cuboid bone CB in the foot lengthdirection (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

(Sole)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shoe 1 includes a sole 2. In thisembodiment, the sole 2 includes an outsole 3 and a midsole 4.

The outsole 3 is made of a hard elastic member having greater hardnessthan the midsole 4. Specifically, non-limiting suitable examples of thematerial for the outsole 3 include thermoplastic resins such as anethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), thermosetting resins such aspolyurethane (PU), and rubber materials such as butadiene rubber andchloroprene rubber. The outsole 3 preferably has hardness of, forexample, 50 A to 80 A on the Asker A scale.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the midsole 4 is laminated on the top of theoutsole 3 with, for example, an adhesive. The midsole 4 is made of asoft elastic material having lower rigidity than the outsole 3.Specifically, non-limiting examples of the material suitable for themidsole 4 include thermoplastic synthetic resins such as anethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and foams thereof, thermosettingresins such as polyurethane (PU) and foams thereof, and rubber materialssuch as butadiene rubber and chloroprene rubber and foams thereof. Themidsole 4 preferably has hardness of, for example, 15 C to 65 C on theAsker C scale.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the periphery of an upper surface of themidsole 4 is formed into a peripheral portion 5 that supports theperiphery of the planta of the wearer's foot f Further, the midsole 4has, between a portion of the peripheral portion 5 on the medial sideand a portion of the peripheral portion 5 on the lateral side, abottomed recess 6 dented downward from an upper surface of theperipheral portion 5 when viewed in section. Although not shown, therecess 6 extends in the foot length direction to correspond to aposition of the wearer's foot f from the toe to the heel in plan view.

(Lower Protrusions and Upper Protrusions)

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the sole 2 has a plurality of lowerprotrusions 7, 7, . . . , and a plurality of upper protrusions 8, 8, . .. In the present embodiment, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and theupper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged on the sole 2 to correspondto the entire planta of the wearer's foot f. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the lowerprotrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , arenot shown.

The lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , are provided on a lower surface ofthe outsole 3. Specifically, each lower protrusion 7 protrudes downwardfrom the lower surface of the outsole 3 in the normal direction of thelower surface (i.e., protrudes opposite to the midsole 4). Each lowerprotrusion 7 has, for example, a substantially hemispherical lower endportion. In the present embodiment, the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . ,are formed to have different thicknesses and lengths.

The upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are provided in the recess 6 of themidsole 4. Specifically, each upper protrusion 8 protrudes upward from abottom surface of the recess 6 in the normal direction of the bottomsurface (i.e., protrudes opposite to the outsole 3). Each upperprotrusion 8 has, for example, a substantially hemispherical upper endportion. The upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are formed to havedifferent thicknesses and lengths.

Each upper protrusion 8 is arranged immediately above an associated oneof the lower protrusions 7 when viewed in section. That is, each of thelower protrusions 7 vertically overlaps with an associated one of theupper protrusions 8 to form a pair when viewed in section.

(Upper)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 2, the shoe 1 has a shoe upper 10 thatcovers the wearer's foot f. Specifically, the shoe upper 10 is suitablymade of knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, syntheticleather, artificial leather, natural leather, or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the shoe upper 10 is fixed to the peripheralportion 5 of the midsole 4 with an adhesive or the like. A portion ofthe shoe upper 10 positioned above the midsole 4 is configured as aninsole 10 a against which the planta of the wearer's foot f abuts.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, an ankle opening 11 through which thewearer's foot f is inserted into the shoe is provided at the top of theshoe upper 10. An opening 12 that communicates with the ankle opening 11and extends in the front-rear direction is formed at the top of the shoeupper 10. An eyestay 13 is provided around the opening 12. A tongue 15that covers or uncovers the opening 12 is provided at a front edge ofthe opening 12.

The eyestay 13 is made of, for example, artificial leather. The eyestay13 is arranged at a portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to theinstep of the wearer's foot f The eyestay 13 is fixed to the shoe upper10 by sewing or the like. A plurality of eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . ,are arranged at intervals in the front-rear direction in left and rightedge portions of the eyestay 13. In FIG. 6, the eyestay 13 and theeyelet holes 14 are not shown.

The shoe upper 10 is provided with a shoelace 16 (adjuster). Theshoelace 16 can be inserted into the eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . ,positioned at the left and right edge portions of the eyestay 13. Whenboth ends of the shoelace 16 at the ankle opening 11 are fastened, theshoe upper 10 can be fitted around the instep of the wearer's foot.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the shoe upper 10 is provided withinsertion holes 17 that receive connections 21 of a support 20 whichwill be described later. Each insertion hole 17 is formed, for example,in a substantially elliptical shape in a side view, and penetrates theshoe upper 10. The insertion holes 17 are respectively arranged on themedial side and lateral side of the shoe upper 10. The insertion holes17 are arranged near a portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to thebase of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer in a side view.

(Support)

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the shoe 1 includes a support 20provided for the shoe upper 10. The support 20 is arranged above thesole 2. The support 20 is arranged substantially at the center of theshoe upper 10 in the foot length direction. Specifically, the support 20is arranged near the portion of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to thebase of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. The support 20 includes apair of connections 21, 21 and a planta rest 22. In FIG. 6, only theplanta rest 22 is hatched with dots in order to distinguish the plantarest 22 from the connections 21.

Each connection 21 is formed, for example, in a substantially bandshape. The connections 21 are respectively provided at ends of theplanta rest 22. The connections 21, 21 are formed integrally with theplanta rest 22. Examples of the material of the connections 21 includeknitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather,artificial leather, natural leather, or the like.

In this embodiment, the connections 21 are configured to intersect withthe shoe upper 10. Specifically, the connections 21 can be respectivelyinserted into the insertion holes 17 on the medial and lateral sides(see FIGS. 2 and 6). A position of intersection between the respectiveconnections 21 and the shoe upper 10 (i.e., the position of therespective insertion holes 17) is preferably away upward from thelowermost portion of the upper surface of the sole 2 by 10 mm or more.Note that the “lowermost portion of the upper surface of the sole 2”referred herein means the apex of the shortest one of the upperprotrusions 8, 8, . . . , formed on the upper surface of the sole 2.

An end of each connection 21 is connectable to the shoelace 16(adjuster). For example, a substantially round hole 23 is formed in theend of each connection 21, so that the connections 21 and the shoelace16 are connected together when the shoelace 16 is inserted into theholes 23 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 6).

Next, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 6, the planta rest 22 is formed in asubstantially band shape. The planta rest 22 is preferably formed asthin as possible. Specifically, the planta rest 22 is made of a materialhaving a thickness of 3.0 mm or less. In this embodiment, examples ofthe material of the planta rest 22 include materials that are notelastically deformed, such as knitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwovenfabric, synthetic leather, artificial leather, and natural leather.

The planta rest 22 of the present embodiment is arranged at a portion ofthe sole 2 corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of thewearer. The connections 21, 21 make the planta rest 22 bridge between aposition of the shoe upper 10 corresponding to the medial side of thefoot of the wearer of the shoe and a position of the shoe upper 10corresponding to the lateral side of the foot of the wearer of the shoein the foot width direction (see FIG. 6). In this state, the planta rest22 can receive the planta of the foot near the base of metatarsal boneMTa of the wearer. The planta rest 22 is configured to lift the base ofmetatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole 2.

When the shoe 1 is not worn by the wearer (hereinafter referred to as an“unworn state”), the planta rest 22 of the present embodiment is keptaway upward from the sole 2. Specifically, the support 20 is configuredsuch that in the unworn state, the planta rest 22 entirely floats abovethe sole 2, using two points of intersection between the connections 21and the shoe upper 10 as fulcrums.

Advantages of First Embodiment

In the shoe 1 according to the first embodiment, each of the lowerprotrusions 7 vertically overlaps with an associated one of the upperprotrusions 8 to form a pair when viewed in section. In thisconfiguration, a reaction force received from the road surface istransmitted to the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the reactionforce is directly transmitted from the lower protrusions 7 to the plantaof the foot f via the upper protrusions 8. As a result, the wearer canrecognize the strengths of pressures transferred to different portionsof the planta of the foot.

The planta rest 22 of the support 20 is configured to lift the base ofmetatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole 2. This configurationcauses an upward force (see the upward arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) toact on the base of metatarsal bone MTa, and the base of metatarsal boneMTa floats above the sole 2. As a result, pressure is less likely to betransmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa. On the other hand, areaction force against the force that has acted on the planta rest 22 isapplied to the forefoot F of the wearer. That is, a downward force (inthe direction of gravity) is applied to the forefoot F of the wearer asthe reaction force (see the downward arrows shown in FIGS. 4 and 5).Thus, the weight of the wearer is easily put on the forefoot F of thewearer. As a result, the pressure easily concentrates on the planta ofthe forefoot F of the wearer. In particular, the planta of the forefootF of the wearer easily receives the pressure from the lower protrusions7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . For this reason,when the wearer makes a movement, e.g., starts moving and/or makes aquick turn, the pressure transmitted from the lower protrusions 7, 7, .. . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , to the forefoot F of thewearer can be made greater than the pressure transmitted to the otherportions than the forefoot F. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the firstembodiment allows the wearer to feel a relatively increased sensation ofpressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, in the shoe 1 of the first embodiment, when the shoe 1 is inthe unworn state, the planta rest 22 is entirely kept away upward fromthe sole 2. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to betransmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, whilemaking the pressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefootF of the wearer. Therefore, the wearer can feel an increased sensationof pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

The planta rest 22 is made of a material having a thickness of 3.0 mm orless. Thus, discomfort in the wearer's foot f due to the planta rest 22is reduced. This can make the wearer unaware of the presence of theplanta rest 22. As a result, this configuration does not block thewearer from feeling the sensation of pressure transmitted to theforefoot F of the wearer from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , andthe upper protrusions 8, 8, . . .

Since the planta rest 22 is arranged at the portion of the sole 2corresponding to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer, theupward force generated by the planta rest 22 can directly act on thebase of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer. This configuration makes itdifficult for the pressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsalbone MTa of the wearer, while making the pressure be easily concentratedon the planta of the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the wearer canfeel an increased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of thewearer.

The connections 21 of the support 20 are connectable to the shoelace 16(adjuster). Thus, when the shoelace 16 is appropriately adjusted andfastened, the planta rest 22 can be easily stabilized at a predeterminedposition in the internal space surrounded by the shoe upper 10. Thisconfiguration makes it possible to appropriately transmit the pressurefrom the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8,. . . , to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, the position of intersection between the connections 21 and theshoe upper 10 is away upward from the lowermost portion of the uppersurface of the sole 2 by 10 mm or more. Therefore, a portion of theplanta of the wearer's foot corresponding to the position of the base ofmetatarsal bone MTa of the wearer can be lifted above the sole 2 by theplanta rest 22 regardless of the height of the arch portion of thewearer. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately transmitthe pressure from the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upperprotrusions 8, 8, . . . , to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Second Embodiment

FIGS. 7 to 11 illustrate a shoe 1 according to a second embodiment ofthe present disclosure. In the second embodiment, the number andpositions of the supports 20 are different from those in the firstembodiment. Note that the other configurations of the shoe 1 of thesecond embodiment are the same as those of the shoe 1 of the firstembodiment. Therefore, the same reference characters are used todesignate the same elements as those illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, anddetailed description thereof is omitted herein.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, the shoe 1 of this embodiment includesa plurality of (two in the illustrated example) supports 20, 20. Thesupports 20, 20 are arranged such that their planta rests 22 sandwichthe portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the base of metatarsal boneMTa of the wearer in the foot length direction.

Specifically, the forward one of the planta rests 22 in the foot lengthdirection is arranged to correspond to a portion of the sole 2 forwardof the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer's foot f On the otherhand, the rearward one of the planta rests 22 in the foot lengthdirection is arranged at a portion of the sole 2 mainly corresponding tothe navicular bone NB and cuboid bone CB of the wearer's foot f.

Thus, in the second embodiment, the planta rests 22 of the two supports20 can lift the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer above the sole2. As a result, an upward force acts on the base of metatarsal bone MTa(see the upward arrows shown in FIGS. 10 and 11). This causes the baseof metatarsal bone MTa to float above the sole 2. Therefore, the shoe 1of the second embodiment also allows the wearer to feel a relativelyincreased sensation of pressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearerin the same manner as the shoe of the first embodiment.

First Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the planta rest 22is entirely kept away upward from the sole 2. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, accordingto a first variation shown in FIG. 12, the planta rest 22 may bepartially fixed to the sole 2. Specifically, in this variation, only asubstantial center portion of the planta rest 22 in the foot widthdirection is fixed to the insole 10 a of the shoe upper 10. That is, theends on the medial side and lateral side of the planta rest 22 are notfixed to the insole 10 a.

Also in this variation, for example, when the shoelace 16 (adjuster) isappropriately fastened, the ends in the foot width direction of theplanta rest 22 can be kept away upward from the sole 2 via therespective connections 21. This configuration makes it difficult for thepressure to be transmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa of thewearer, while making the pressure be easily concentrated on the plantaof the forefoot F of the wearer. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the firstvariation, too, allows the wearer to feel an increased sensation ofpressure applied to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Second Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the planta rest 22may be made of materials that are not elastically deformed, such asknitted fabric, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, synthetic leather,artificial leather, or natural leather. However, the material of theplanta rest 22 is not limited to such materials. For example, accordingto a second variation shown in FIG. 13, the planta rest 22 may be madeof an elastically deformable material. Examples of the elasticallydeformable material include resin materials such as thermosettingpolyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and styrene elastomers,rubber materials, and stretchable textile materials.

In this variation, the planta rest 22 can be elastically deformed sothat the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer floats above the sole2. This configuration makes it difficult for the pressure to betransmitted to the base of metatarsal bone MTa, while making thepressure be easily concentrated on the planta of the forefoot F of thewearer. Therefore, the shoe 1 of the second variation, too, allows thewearer to feel an increased sensation of pressure applied to theforefoot F of the wearer in the same manner as the shoe of the firstembodiment.

Third Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments and the second variationthat the connections 21 are arranged to intersect with the shoe upper10, and the ends of the connections 21 are connected to the shoelace 16(adjuster). However, the present disclosure is not limited to thisconfiguration. For example, according to a third variation shown in FIG.14, the ends of the connections 21 on the medial side and the lateralside may be fixed to an inner surface of the shoe upper 10.Specifically, in the shoe 1 of this variation, the ends of theconnections 21 are not connected to the shoelace 16 (adjuster). In thisvariation, too, the position of the planta rest 22 can be stabilized inthe internal space surrounded by the shoe upper 10. As a result, thepressure is appropriately transmitted to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, a position of fixation between the connections 21 and the shoeupper 10 is preferably away upward from the sole 2 by 10 mm or more.Therefore, a portion of the planta of the foot corresponding to theposition of the base of metatarsal bone MTa of the wearer can be liftedabove the sole 2 by the planta rest 22 regardless of the height of thearch portion of the wearer.

Fourth Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments and the second variationthat the connections 21 are arranged to intersect with the shoe upper10, and the ends of the connections 21 are connected to the shoelace 16(adjuster). However, the present disclosure is not limited to thisconfiguration. For example, according to a fourth variation shown inFIG. 15, the end of only one of the connections 21 (the connection 21located on the medial side in the illustrated example) may be fixed tothe inner surface of the shoe upper 10. Specifically, the support 20 ofthis variation is configured such that the planta rest 22 entirelyfloats above the sole 2, using two points, i.e., a point of intersectionbetween the connection 21 on the lateral side and the shoe upper 10 anda point of fixation between the connection 21 on the medial side and theshoe upper 10, as fulcrums. In this configuration, too, the position ofthe planta rest 22 can be stabilized in the internal space surrounded bythe shoe upper 10. As a result, the pressure is appropriatelytransmitted to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Fifth Variation

It has been described in the above embodiments that the shoelace 16serves as the adjuster, but the present disclosure is not limited tothis configuration. For example, according to a fifth variation shown inFIG. 16, a belt 31 and an annular portion 32 provided on the top of theshoe upper 10 may serve as the adjuster. The annular portion 32 has, forexample, a D-shaped through hole, in which the belt 31 can be inserted.In the shoe 1 of the fifth variation, the opening 12, the eyestay 13,the eyelet holes 14, 14, . . . , and the tongue 15 according to thefirst embodiment may not be provided.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, an end portion of the connection 21 is foldedback in the longitudinal direction of the connection 21 to be formedinto a substantially ring-shaped holding portion 24. The holding portion24 is connected, within the ring shape thereof, to the annular portion32. In this state, the belt 31 and the annular portion 32 function asthe adjuster, just like the shoelace 16 shown in the above-describedembodiments. The adjuster may be comprised of any one of the eyeletholes 14, the belt 31, or the annular portion 32.

Other Embodiments

It has been described in the above embodiments and variations that thesole 2 includes the outsole 3 and the midsole 4, but the presentdisclosure is not limited to this configuration. For example, the sole 2may be comprised of the outsole 3.

Further, it has been described in the above embodiments and variationsthat the plurality of lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the pluralityof upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged on the sole 2 over theentire region of the planta of the wearer's foot f, but the presentinvention is not limited to this configuration. Specifically, the lowerprotrusions 7, 7, . . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , maynot be arranged at portions of the sole 2 corresponding to the midfoot Mand hindfoot H of the wearer. Alternatively, the lower protrusions 7, 7,. . . , and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , may be absent only fromthe portion of the sole 2 corresponding to the midfoot M of the wearer.In short, the advantages of the above-described embodiments andvariations can be provided as long as the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . ., and the upper protrusions 8, 8, . . . , are arranged at least on aportion of the sole 2 corresponding to the forefoot F of the wearer.

Further, it has been described in the above embodiments and variationsthat the lower protrusions 7, 7, . . . , are formed to have differentthicknesses and lengths, but the present disclosure is not limited tothis configuration. That is, the lower protrusions 7 may be formed tohave the same thickness and length. The same applies to the upperprotrusions 8, 8, . . .

In addition, it has been described in the above embodiments andvariations that the support 20 includes the connections 21 formed in asubstantially band shape, but the present disclosure is not limited tothis configuration. For example, the connection 21 may be formed in asubstantially thread shape (not shown). In this configuration, thesubstantially thread-shaped connection 21 may be connected to theadjuster such as the shoelace 16. Alternatively, the substantiallythread-shaped connection 21 may be fixed to the inner surface of theshoe upper 10.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedabove, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments,and various modifications can be made within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

The present disclosure is industrially applicable to, for example,athletic shoes for running and various sports, sneakers for daily use,and rehabilitation shoes.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe comprising: a sole; a shoe upper that isprovided on the sole and covers a foot of a wearer of the shoe; and atleast one support provided for the shoe upper, wherein the soleincludes: a plurality of lower protrusions arranged at least on aportion of the sole corresponding to a forefoot of the foot of thewearer of the shoe, each of the lower protrusions protruding downwardfrom the sole; and a plurality of upper protrusions arranged at least onthe portion of the sole corresponding to the forefoot of the foot of thewearer of the shoe, each of the upper protrusions protruding upward fromthe sole and vertically overlapping with an associated one of the lowerprotrusions to form a pair when viewed in section, the support includesa planta rest that is arranged in an internal space surrounded by theshoe upper and brides between a position of the shoe upper correspondingto a medial side of the foot of the wearer of the shoe and a position ofthe shoe upper corresponding to a lateral side of the foot of the wearerof the shoe in a foot width direction, and the planta rest is configuredto receive a portion of a planta of the foot of the wearer of the shoenear a base of metatarsal bone of the wearer of the shoe, and lift thebase of metatarsal bone above the sole.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, whereinthe planta rest is configured to be entirely kept away upward from thesole when the shoe is not worn.
 3. The shoe of claim 1, wherein theplanta rest is made of an elastically deformable material.
 4. The shoeof claim 1, wherein the planta rest is made of a material having athickness of 3.0 mm or less.
 5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plantarest is arranged at a portion of the sole corresponding to the base ofmetatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe.
 6. The shoe ofclaim 1, wherein the support includes a plurality of supports, and theplurality of supports are arranged such that the planta rests of theplurality of supports sandwich a portion of the sole corresponding tothe base of metatarsal bone of the foot of the wearer of the shoe in afoot length direction.
 7. The shoe of claim 1, further comprising: anadjuster provided for the shoe upper, wherein the support furtherincludes a pair of connections provided at both ends of the planta rest,and at least one of the pair of connections is configured to beconnected to the adjuster.
 8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the supportfurther includes a pair of connections provided at both ends of theplanta rest, and the pair of connections are configured to intersectwith, or be fixed to, the positions of the shoe upper corresponding tothe medial side and the lateral side-of the foot of the wearer of theshoe, and a position of intersection or fixation between the pair ofconnections and the shoe upper is away upward from a lowermost portionof an upper surface of the sole by 10 mm or more.